Showing posts with label Capitol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Capitol. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

$30M to repair leaky roof at Capitol, state braces for federal government shutdown, Lahaina schools to reopen next month, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Leaky ceilings at State Capitol lead to $30M in repairs. After years of leaky ceilings at the state capital, repairs are finally underway on the 54-year-old building. Hawaii News Now.

Can The GOP Set Aside Partisan Politics To Find Out What Really Happened In Maui? A House oversight committee will hold its first public hearing focused on the role of Hawaiian Electric in the Aug. 8 Maui fires. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii House members hope to keep U.S. government running.
The possibility that the federal government might shut down this weekend could mean that more than 30,000 federal employees in Hawaii — including “essential” workers helping Lahaina fire survivors — may have to keep working, but without pay. Star-Advertiser.

Battle over federal spending could hurt Hawaii economy. A University of Hawaii economist said Tuesday a prolonged federal government shutdown could have serious local consequences. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

Study finds La Ninas lasting longer, intense El Ninos likely to follow. A new University of Hawai‘i study has discovered that La Nina climate events are growing more common and lasting longer, increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events across the globe. Garden Island.

Federal Wildfire Grant Opportunities Open For Hawaii. Three grants are now available to help Hawaii's landowners fortify their wildfire defenses. Civil Beat.

This Lahaina Fundraiser Quickly Raised $1M Amid Conspiracy Theories And Questions By Critics
. The Lahaina Fire Fund was never a registered nonprofit yet collected hundreds of thousands of dollars through online donation sites. Civil Beat.

DLNR opens grant applications to purchase land for conservation. Each year, the state gives a portion of its revenue from real estate conveyance taxes to the Land Conservation Fund. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric postpones, revises ‘Save and Shift’ program.  Originally, customers with advanced smart meters were selected at random to test time-of-use rates on Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui under an order by the state Public Utilities Commission, which regulates public utility companies. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii Inmate Gets Life In Prison After Death Penalty Case Dropped. Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer finally abandoned the effort to have Miti Maugaotega Jr. sentenced to death for the killing of another prisoner in Arizona. Civil Beat.

Kaiser clinics offer COVID vaccines in Hawaii. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii officials say updated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will be available to members at most clinics statewide, starting Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Government shutdown would not affect Red Hill defueling, Navy says. The top officer in charge of defueling the Navy’s underground Red Hill fuel storage facility says a possible federal government shutdown would not affect the operation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kohala community could be months away from preserving Mahukona into perpetuity. Community groups are trying to preserve more than 640 acres of culturally and historically significant land along the Kohala coast on the north side of Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

First phase of lava buyouts nearly pau. Nearly 300 residents whose primary homes were damaged or destroyed during the 2018 Kilauea eruption in lower Puna have had their properties bought out by Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lahaina schools to reopen to students in October. Lahainaluna High, Lahaina Intermediate and Princess Nahi­enaena Elementary schools in Lahaina will reopen to students in a phased plan after the October fall break now that their soil, water and air have been deemed safe, and monitoring will continue, state and federal officials have announced. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  KHON2.  KITV4.

States partners with Corps of Engineers to erect temporary Lahaina school by January. Experts say the pandemic underscored just how key reopening schools is to restoring normal life and emotional wellness. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina family members are latest fatalities named. The Maui Police Department on Tuesday released the names of six people who died in the Aug. 6 Lahaina wildfire — all members of an extended Filipino clan who lost eight family members in the disaster, with one still missing. Star-Advertiser.

Furloughs, layoffs mount on Maui as economic headwinds continue. Nearly two months after wildfires decimated Lahaina town, Maui’s economy continues to suffer — and unemployment claims are mounting. Hawaii News Now.

Former Civil Defense council chair: Officials failed to heed key warnings ahead of Lahaina disaster. A hazard mitigation plan published by the county back in 2020 warned if any section of the road or utility line were to be damaged by a wildfire the entire system could collapse. Hawaii News Now.

Maui's price freeze extended for essential commodities and services. The existing price freeze that was implemented for Maui in August will now only continue for essential goods and services, according to the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Office of Consumer Protection. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Lawsuit Accuses Kauai Chief Judge Of Sexually Harassing His Assistant. The Hawaii Judiciary prohibits hugging, which the assistant alleges Chief Judge Randal Valenciano did in a "sexualized" manner numerous times. Civil Beat.

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Capitol no longer requires vax cards for entry, federal transit officials visit Honolulu, complaints dismissed against Maui doctors pushing unproven COVID remedies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii Capitol ©2022 All Hawaii News

Proof of vaccination or negative test no longer required at Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Visitors to the Hawaiʻi State Capitol will no longer have to show their vaccination card or proof of a negative COVID test, state officials announced Tuesday. Mask rules differ in the state House and Senate. Masks are optional but requested in House chambers and rooms, but are mandatory in Senate chambers and rooms. Hawaii Public Radio.

Omicron Subvariant Now Responsible For 40% Of New Hawaii Infections. Cases of the highly contagious BA.2 Covid strain have been confirmed in every county, prompting fears of a new surge. Hawaii’s daily Covid count has risen slightly in recent weeks, with the state logging a seven-day average of 129 cases Wednesday after hitting a post-omicron surge low of 89 cases March 18, according to the state’s newest numbers. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Local COVID forecasters say eased restrictions will result in small case increase
. The Hawaiʻi Pandemic Modeling Working Group says it expects the lifting of COVID restrictions in all counties to result in a small increase in cases, but nothing like the past omicron and delta variant surges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two Years Into The Pandemic, Hawaii Is Finally Poised To Test Its Sewage For Covid. After a series of short-lived efforts by state and county agencies, Hawaii is finally primed to launch its own program to test sewage for coronavirus this summer – nearly two and a half years into the pandemic. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Producer responsibility bill hanging on in the Legislature: Bill seeks to reduce packaging waste in landfills. A bill paving the way to make producers of certain goods take greater responsibility for their packaging waste has cleared the state House and is making progress in the Senate. West Hawaii Today.

UH Faculty Leadership Votes To Condemn Donna Mercado Kim. The University of Hawaii faculty are considering asking Senate leadership to remove Sen. Donna Mercado Kim from the Higher Education Committee. In a rare move, seven of the 10 campus faculty leadership groups issued a public rebuke of Kim condemning her “inappropriate legislative actions,” which they say includes introducing several measures taking aim at the university’s decision-making authority as well as faculty tenure. The votes have been going on all month. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige Makes New Board of Ed Appointments. The appointees include N. Makana McClellan, the director of business development and community relations at Shriners Children’s Hawaii; Lauren Moriarty, former dean of academics at Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies; and Ken Kuraya, a retired DOE administrator. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

Ige Names Two To UH Board Of Regents. American Savings Bank Vice President Gabriel Lee and EPIC Ohana Executive Director Laurie Tochiki will assume the Board of Regents seats, pending Senate approval. Civil Beat.

Late kumu hula Edith Kanakaʻole to appear on US quarter
. The late Native Hawaiian hula teacher Edith Kanakaʻole is among five women who will be individually featured on a U.S. quarter next year as part of a program that depicts notable women on the flip side of the coin. Associated Press. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Federal transit officials are in Honolulu for rail project risk analysis amid invasion of Ukraine. Officials from the Federal Transit Administration are in Honolulu this week to do some risk analysis for the latest version of the city’s rail project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Judge Awards $1.375M In An Inmate Suicide At Halawa Correctional Facility. The state admitted liability in the case of a 28-year-old prisoner who was on ‘observation status’ in the medical unit, but hanged himself anyway. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Proposal For Waiawa Correctional Facility Aims To Keep Families Together.
A new family resource center comes with a price tag of about $420,000. Civil Beat.

$10 million gift for Mid-Pacific Institute to expand educational opportunities within and beyond campus. An anonymous donor has given $10 million to Mid- Pacific Institute, the largest gift in the Manoa private school’s history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Waiaka Bridge replacement project picks up steam. A long-stalled project to replace the 90-year-old Waiaka Bridge on Highway 19 in Waimea is moving again. West Hawaii Today.

Two mumps cases detected in South Kona area. The state Department of Health confirmed that two people had been identified, and they are both members of the same household. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State dismisses complaints against Maui doctors over controversial COVID-19 treatments. Two doctors who stirred controversy last year for promoting the anti-­parasitic drug ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine as treatments for COVID-19 have escaped disciplinary action after the enforcement arm of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs declined to pursue complaints against them. Star-Advertiser.

‘Give us access’: Hunters want to help with Maui County deer overpopulation
. House Bill 1872 requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to recognize that game mammals provide a food source. Hawaii News Now.

Sonic Drive-In latest big-name chain headed for Hookele. Fast food eatery holds groundbreaking, could open by end of year. Maui News. Maui Now.

$18.5M home becomes Maui’s most expensive sale this year. Originally listed at $19.9 million, the six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home on about an acre in Wailea-Mākena saw high interest and sold in about three weeks. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kawakami files for reelection. Wednesday, Mayor Derek Kawakami officially filed for reelection. Garden Island.

Kamokila Hawaiian Village forced to close on Kauai. For generations William Kihei Fernandes' 'ohana cultivated native plants, built thatched-roof hale and educated thousands of keiki at the Kamokila Hawaiian Village. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it allowed the lease to expire in December as the agency reevaluates the use of the four-acre property. KITV4.

Thursday, March 3, 2022

State Capitol to reopen to public, jury trials resume, Caldwell joins gubernatorial race, Mauna Kea management plan advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

courtesy House GOP
Hawaii House opening day 2022 PC:House GOP

State Capitol to reopen to public Monday. Visitors to the state Capitol will have to provide photo identification and proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours to get inside the Capitol when it’s scheduled to reopen to the public on Monday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Jury trials resume after long pause due to COVID. A spokesperson for the Hawaii State Judiciary said although there was a pause, there have been about 100 jury trials during the pandemic. However, legal experts have said those were mostly less serious cases. KHON2.

Bill to replace University of Hawaii stewardship of Mauna Kea advances.
Three state House committees advanced a bill Wednesday that would create a new entity to oversee the state-managed lands of Mauna Kea, including the world-class observatories on Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Lawmakers to hear public testimony on proposed $600M for Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaiʻi lawmakers will hear public testimony Thursday on a proposal to invest $600 million into long-term affordable housing for Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

Kirk Caldwell joins gubernatorial race. Former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced his candidacy for governor this week with a series of ads in daily newspapers across the islands that included the headline, “Even if some don’t think I can win.” Star-Advertiser.

Bill Requiring More Info On Police Arrests And Use Of Force Dies In Hawaii Senate. Senate Bill 2318 is dead after four committees failed to hold a hearing on the bill supporters say would improve police transparency. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lawmakers Advance Measures To Fund The Police Standards Board. But the bills also require new standards to apply only to officers hired after 2024. Civil Beat.

DOH Revises Interim Administrative Rules for Medical Cannabis Dispensary Licensing Program. The Hawaii State Department of Health revised interim administrative rules for the medical cannabis licensing program went into effect on Feb. 24. Big Island Now.

University of Hawaii unveils public portal for information on climate. The Hawaii Climate Data Portal — set to go live today — is an open-source platform with easy public access to reams of climate data and information along with data products, climate tools, links and more. Star-Advertiser.

Connors: COVID fraud crackdown a priority. The top federal law enforcer in Hawaii said Wednesday that President Joe Biden’s announced crackdown on those responsible for stealing billions in coronavirus relief funds is a priority for her as well. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii reports 166 new COVID infections, 7 additional fatalities. The statewide test positivity rate is 2.7%. -- the positivity rate in Honolulu County is 2.5%; on the Big Island it's 3.5%; in Maui County it's 3.2%; and on Kauai it is 5.1%. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 236,435 total infections to date. KITV4.

Oahu

Native Hawaiians waited years for homes on their ancestral land. Then the problems began. Given questions about the department’s responsibilities to Hawaiians and its approach to construction oversight, the Star-Advertiser and ProPublica undertook to find out how satisfied beneficiary homeowners were. The news organizations canvassed the two most recent homesteading subdivisions in Kapolei, a region of former sugar cane land where much of Oahu’s single-family housing has been built the past several decades. Star-Advertiser.

Judge In Conspiracy Case OKs Deposition Of Terminally Ill Ex-Budget Director. Three former Honolulu officials facing federal indictment believe Nelson Koyanagi can provide information that helps their defense. Civil Beat.

Blangiardi appoints Arthur Tolentino to HART Board of Directors. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has appointed Arthur Tolentino to the Board of Directors of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, the overseeing authority for Honolulu’s rail transit project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Climate Change Lawsuit Against Oil Companies Will Proceed, Judge Rules. The case is the first of its kind to reach the discovery phase in which oil companies will have to share documents, the city said. Civil Beat.

Amid staffing shortages, HPD eyes 12-hour shifts for patrol officers. Honolulu’s interim police chief and the SHOPO union have met three times in recent weeks to address staffing shortages in patrol divisions. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi considering contract allowing media access to first-responder radio. City attorneys are reviewing the legality of restoring public access to first ­responder radio traffic after Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed interest in a contractual agreement with Honolulu media outlets permitting them to listen in. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kahele tours Kona: Congressman visits multiple sites, gets update on airport plans. Plans and visions for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole were presented Tuesday to U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele during his multi-day tour of West Hawaii sites. West Hawaii Today.

Kona teacher on unpaid leave after criminal charges filed. A Konawaena Middle School teacher facing three counts of sexual assault against a minor has been placed on leave. West Hawaii Today.

Russian, Belarusian athletes banned from upcoming Ironman events
The Ironman Group is banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from all upcoming events this year, including May’s world championship in Kona. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

This Company Wants To Sell You A Second Home On Maui — Or At Least A Piece Of One. A startup that buys luxury houses and sells shares in them to buyers interested in owning second homes has started operating on Maui, alarming some local residents who are tired of wealthy investors buying up property on the island. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Despite criticism from former commanders, MPD chief stands by changes to training, staffing. Eleven weeks into his new position, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier is defending a host of changes that have prompted some of his commanders to leave. Hawaii News Now.

Kīpahulu Campground reopens with new online reservation system, March 16. Campsites now can only be reserved using the new online reservation system, which is required for all campsites in the campground. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i OPA requests funds for drug, domestic violence cases.
County Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like requested Kaua‘i County Council approval last week to receive federal grant funds to aid in the county’s ongoing efforts to prosecute drug crimes and domestic violence. Garden Island.

KIUC board of directors election ballots go out. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative members who are receiving ballots for the 2022 Board of Directors election are alerted to a contractor error on the “Instruction to Voters” section of the ballot. Garden Island.

Thursday, February 17, 2022

State Capitol to reopen to the public soon, public schools continue mask mandate, Michelle Obama holds girls' roundtable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii state Capitol ©2022 All Hawaii News

State House, Senate clash over when to reopen Capitol building to the public. Lawmakers Plan To Reopen Hawaii State Capitol To The Public On March 7. The House also intends to create a panel to review existing laws and propose ethics and campaign finance reforms. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s effort to lower the impaired driving limit is bolstered by a federal report. The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing Friday on Senate Bill 2096, which would drop the threshold for the crime of “operating a vehicle under the influence on an intoxicant” to a blood alcohol concentration of .05 grams per deciliter, down from the current standard of .08 g/dL. Star-Advertiser.

President Joe Biden granted Hawaiʻi’s request Tuesday for a disaster declaration
in the wake of severe storms that tore through parts of the state late last year. Biden approves federal disaster declaration in wake of severe December storm. A powerful Kona low weather system brought heavy rains, flooding, high winds and landslides to the state in December. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama leads roundtable in Hawaii with 8 girls from Oahu. Former First Lady Michelle Obama met with eight girls from Oahu for a roundtable conversation on Tuesday to learn more about their future aspirations and career goals. It was part of the first-ever Girls Opportunity Alliance roundtable discussion in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Despite changing policies elsewhere, Hawaii public schools are sticking to mask mandate. School districts around the country are dropping mask requirements. But Hawaii’s Education Department said there are no plans to change their masking policies. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 12 new coronavirus-related deaths, 203 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 153 new cases on Oahu, four on Hawaii Island, 28 on Maui, nine on Kauai and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Ethics Commission Rules Out Gift Disclosure For City Employees. However, the ethics commission is planning to propose that the Honolulu City Council consider lowering the cap on the value of gifts to $25. Civil Beat.

Killing in front of Kapolei police station sparks outrage.
A schizophrenic man with a lengthy arrest record allegedly beat a 48-year-old woman to death with a tree trunk in front of the Kapolei police station Tuesday evening, shortly after he was released pending investigation for attacking a police officer. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

HPD Chief Disputes ‘Inaccurate’ SHOPO Patrol Staffing Criticism. Honolulu Police Department Interim Chief Rade Vanic pushed back Wednesday against what he described as false claims by the state’s police union that the department is endangering Oahu residents by failing to staff enough police patrols. Civil Beat.

HART board appointees declined to sign a confidentiality agreement that calls for ‘criminal penalties’ for violating the pact. Two members of the board that oversees the city’s troubled rail project have declined to sign a new confidentiality agreement that calls for “criminal penalties” for violating the agreement. Star-Advertiser.

Condominium owners request more time from City Council to comply with fire safety codes. Condominium owners are asking for more time and more oversight from the Honolulu City Council to comply with a law that requires them to install fire sprinklers or pass a life-safety evaluation test. Star-Advertiser.

Olomana Trail is one of Oahu’s most popular hikes. It’s also one of the most treacherous. The thrill of hiking to Oahu’s steepest peaks entices thousands to Olomana Trail. But many people who decide to make the trek have no idea what the hike entails. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Concerns over axed eco-resort at Hilo beach spark community engagement discussions. Plans have been axed for a proposed 36-unit luxury eco-resort fronting a popular Hilo beach on Hawaiʻi Island. Concerns over shoreline development near Chock’s Beach in Keaukaha are prompting discussions by residents in this small coastal community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Neighbors of Kona Brush Fire Say Homeless Camps Reason for Recent String of Blazes. Neighbors of the brush fire Wednesday in Kailua-Kona that closed two highways and evacuated multiple subdivisions said there have been several brush fires in the area recently that they believe are started in the nearby homeless camps that go unchecked. Big Island Now.

COVID-19 infections plummet: Four Big Island cases reported Wednesday, down from a high of 834 a month ago. New COVID-19 cases on the Big Island dropped to the single digits Wednesday for the first time since December as the omicron surge continues to weaken. Tribune-Herald.

Charges against BJ Penn dropped.
The state has dropped charges of DUI and reckless driving against former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion BJ Penn. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

752-unit affordable housing project proposed in Waiehu. A 752-unit, 100-percent affordable housing project proposed in Waiehu could use roundabouts to calm traffic, include a transit center and be designed to fit the character of the area, the Maui Planning Commission recently suggested. Maui News.

Preliminary work announced for Kahekili Highway slope repair project. Topographic survey work and drilling of soil test borings for the Kahekili Highway slope repair project is now scheduled for Feb. 28 through March 9, 2022, in Kahakuloa. Maui Now.

Feds Propose Lifeline For 44 Endangered Species In Maui County. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a draft recovery plan for imperiled plants and animals on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Civil Beat.

Kauai

KFD urges hiker safety, nine rescues in 2022.  In the wake of several rescues, the Kaua‘i Fire Department has taken to social media to advise the public about the dangers of hiking. Garden Island.

Friday, January 15, 2021

Hawaii Capitol on lockdown prior to opening day of Legislature, more than half of inmates in emergency release re-arrested, state send 200 Guardsmen to U.S. Capitol, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

 

PC: Sen. Chris Lee
Hawaii Capitol lockdown PC:Sen. Chris Lee

Security heightened at state Capitol ahead of Friday protest and presidential inauguration next week. A pro-Donald Trump local grassroots group that pursues “faith, family and freedom” plans what it calls a “peaceful rally” at the state Capitol Friday amid heightened security including the installation of chain link-fence barricades blocking off the rotunda. Star-Advertiser.

No More ‘Gifts Of Aloha’ For State Lawmakers. Goodies gifted from lobbyists to lawmakers like manapua, PB&J sandwiches, musubi and trinkets are no longer allowed because of new state ethics rules that ban “gifts of aloha” for legislators. Civil Beat.

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200 Hawaii National Guard members deploying to D.C. for inauguration duty. The Hawaii Army National Guard is deploying about 200 troops to Washington, D.C., to “aid in and facilitate the peaceful transition of presidential power,” Gov. David Ige’s office said today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s National Guard Is Sending 200 Troops To Help Secure Inauguration. The Hawaii Guardsmen will join troops from across the country in providing security  amid fears of more violence after a violent mob attacked the U.S. Capitol. Civil Beat.

200 Hawaii National Guard members headed to DC ahead of inauguration.
About 200 members of the Hawaii National Guard are being deployed to Washington, D.C. ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration next week. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i National Guard Sending 200 to DC in Advance of Inauguration. Two-hundred members of the State Guard will arrive at an unspecified date before Jan. 20 and will perform a multitude of missions in support of local law enforcement. Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i National Guard to deploy about 200 members to Washington, D.C. At the request of the National Guard Bureau, the Hawai‘i National Guard is set to deploy about 200 of its members to Washington, D.C., to aid in and facilitate the peaceful transition of presidential power, according to an announcement issued by the governor’s office this afternoon. Maui Now.

Hawai'i National Guard to deploy about 200 members to Washington, D.C. Roughly 800 guardsmen are still activated for COVID-19 support and the deployment of these members will not impact the effort to support the State of Hawai‘i, according to the state. KITV4.

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Isle inmates freed due to COVID commit crimes. Nearly 6 out of 10 people released early from Hawaii jails and prisons early last year over COVID-19 concerns have been charged with more offenses, a new study shows. Star-Advertiser.

New study reveals more than half of Hawaii inmates released under emergency orders reoffended. Several hundred Hawaii inmates were released last year under a state Supreme Court order to ease overcrowding and prevent coronavirus outbreaks in correctional facilities. Hawaii News Now.

State officials discuss release of inmates amid coronavirus pandemic. The House Committee on Corrections, Military and Veterans met to discuss the impact releasing inmates early due to the coronavirus had on the community. KHON2.

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More changes ahead for unemployment call center as backlog, fraud persist. Private contractor Maximus will wrap up its duties at the unemployment call center this week and is scheduled to be replaced by a reduced number of new in-house hires. KHON2.

Auditor: State Agriculture Agency Is Failing To Fulfill Mission. After 25 years, the Agribusiness Development Corp. hasn’t helped Hawaii re-fashion former sugar and pineapple plantations into viable economic engines, audit says. Civil Beat.

With evictions looming, advocates urge state not to cut funding for homeless programs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii COVID-19 vaccine supply a concern for health officials. Health officials are worried that Hawaii might not have enough COVID-19 vaccines to sustain large-scale immunization clinics, two of which are opening within the next two weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Getting Consent From Seniors Poses Barrier To COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout. The elderly are most at risk, but for those with dementia, getting consent can be complicated. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 14: 179 New COVID-19 Cases And Six Deaths.
Hawaii health officials reported 179 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Thursday, including 122 on Oahu, 32 on Maui, 13 on the Big Island, one on Kauai and 11 state residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi won’t change current tier system. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi this morning said he has no intentions of tweaking or changing the current tier system established for Oahu by the former administration. Star-Advertiser.

Blangiardi says he’s hopeful Oahu will remain in Tier 2, despite rise in COVID-19 cases. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said Thursday that he’s hopeful Oahu will remain in Tier 2, despite a rise in new COVID-19 cases. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Blangiardi plans changes to city’s tier system. Changes will be coming to Oahu’s tier system for reopening. Mayor Rick Blangiardi says, he wants to be more aggressive and efficient in getting residents vaccinated. KHON2.

Mayor Blangiardi discusses COVID-19 metrics for O'ahu on Thursday. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi addressed the COVID-19 pandemic in his first press conference. KITV4.

Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Centers Aim to Give 10,000 Doses a Day to Hawaii Residents. One vaccination center operated through Hawaii Pacific Health will open on Monday at Pier 2 Cruise Terminal. Another mass vaccination center operated through Queen’s Medical Center will open on the 25th at Neal Blaisdell Center. Both facilities hope to scale up to vaccinate 5,000 people per day. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Boulder Barriers Aim To Protect Monk Seals From Illegal Off-Roading. Trucks disrupting seals resting on the sand have been a problem for years at Wawamalu. The new barriers aim to stop that. Civil Beat.

Effort aims to keep vehicles off Sandy Beach shoreline. A 9.5-acre stretch of undeveloped city beach known as Wawamalu would be a pristine place where beachgoers could enjoy nature to the accompaniment of wind, waves and the cries of seabirds and children exploring tide pools, were it not for the roars of off-road vehicles driving on its sand beach, gouging deep, blackened tracks and tearing up the native vegetation and dunes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

West Hawaii couple fined $76K for the illegal harvest of aquarium fish. State officials today said a West Hawaii couple has agreed to pay a fine of $76,400 for the illegal harvest of aquarium fish off of Kawaihae last February. Star-Advertiser.

Kealakekua couple settles for $76,400 of a top-end $550,000. A Kealakekua couple has agreed to pay $76,400 in fines for illegally collecting 550 aquarium fish last year off Kawaihae. West Hawaii Today.

Couple Pays Steep Fines For Aquarium Fishing Violations. Tyron and Kacie Terazono of Kealakekua have agreed to pay a large fine for the illegal harvest of aquarium fish offshore of Kawaihae in Hawai‘i County during February 2020. Big Island Now.

Kilauea Ave. work likely to last until 2022. As part of a statewide transportation improvement program, Kilauea Avenue is undergoing rehabilitation work, which includes repaving, installing pavement markers, striping and adding traffic detectors along a 1.5-mile stretch from the Wailoa Bridge to Puainako Street. Tribune-Herald.

Budget woes could shutter Youth Challenge Academy.
Don’t close the book on the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy in Hilo just yet — although a presentation by the state’s adjutant general to lawmakers earlier in the week gave the impression the program is dead in the budgetary water. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Community Hospital Expands Vaccination Eligibility. By next week, kūpuna will be able to register for coronavirus vaccination across the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Kupuna vaccinations to begin: Hospitals set to launch clinics for those over age 75. Kona Community Hospital said it is moving to Tier 1B in alignment with the state Department of Health’s vaccine distribution plan and will begin registering kupuna over age 75 on Tuesday to receive the first of two doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mokulele Airlines expanding service to fill void left by ‘Ohana by Hawaiian’s suspension of operations. Mokulele Airlines today became the only airline flying to both Molokai and Lanai and announced plans to expand its interisland service to meet community needs. Star-Advertiser.

Mokulele Airlines Expands on Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. Mokulele Airlines is set to become the sole airline serving Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i beginning Friday when ‘Ohana by Hawaiian suspends operations. Maui Now.

Lt. Gov. Green Visits Maui as State Prepares for Ramped-Up Vaccine Distribution. Ramping Up Vaccinations; Maui Health Eyes Opening of S and W Maui Distribution Sites as Supplies Increase. Maui Now.

Maui cases continue to increase as County waits on rule modification approval from Gov. Ige.
Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is still awaiting approval from Gov. David Ige to modify some rules as the county continues to see double-digit cases. KHON2.

Shot clinic closes early as lines build up again. UH-MC site will limit next week’s clinic to top-tier patients only. Maui News.

In the wake of Maui condo outbreak, neighbors pitch in to ensure those in isolation don’t feel alone. At least 97 COVID-19 cases have now been linked to the Harbor Lights condominium in Kahului — and outbreak officials say likely started by a holiday choir practice. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed cement facility relocation at Kahului Harbor passes next hurdle. With a nod Tuesday from the Maui Planning Commission, Hawaiian Cement is about halfway through a lengthy process to relocate its Kahului Harbor facility about 600 feet away. Maui News.

Kauai

KPD’s short-staffing effect on proactivity. In 2020, the Patrol Services Bureau of the Kaua‘i Police Department responded to nearly 50,000 calls for service. Garden Island.

Koa‘e Makana housing project awarded. The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency and Mark Development Inc. have received an award from the Building Industry Association-Hawai‘i for the Koa‘e Makana workforce housing project in Koloa. Garden Island.


Thursday, January 14, 2021

Homeless won't be counted this year, barricades block state Capitol, Maui asks why tourists get vaccinated first, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Homeless in Honolulu ©2021 All Hawaii News

Unsheltered homeless in Hawaii to go uncounted amid COVID-19. A wave of rising homelessness is expected to wash over Hawaii in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, yet any increase this year won’t be measured because an annual survey has been called off due to COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Homelessness anticipated to gradually rise. The state’s point man on homeless issues told lawmakers Wednesday he expects the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic to result in a gradual increase in homelessness statewide over the next few years. Tribune-Herald.

Barricades block Hawaii Capitol building entrances after FBI warns of armed protests in all states. The entrances to the Hawaii State Capitol, both on the mauka and makai side, are now protected with water walls and a chain-linked fence in preparation for possible protests that federal and state agencies are monitoring. KHON2.

Hawaii Lags Other States In Administering COVID-19 Vaccines, Federal Data Shows. Hawaii is lagging in rolling out COVID-19 vaccines, falling 44th nationwide on Wednesday as health officials struggle with capacity and uncertainty surrounding the federal delivery of more doses. Civil Beat.

HI-EMA makes corrections 3 years after false missile alert while DOD defends Hawaii. The state was jolted by the threat of an incoming ballistic missile on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, only to find out that it was a false alarm. KHON2.

Hawaii Governor Weighs Income Tax Increases On Wealthy Residents, Ige’s chief of staff also suggests upping the “barrel tax” on fossil fuels to help balance the budget. Civil Beat.

$30M pricetag to renovate water features at the state Capitol raises eyebrows. State Comptroller Curt Otaguro asked lawmakers for $17.5 million this year and $12.5 million next year to fix the pond, which has been leaking water into the Capitol basement for years. Hawaii News Now.

Schools will have to absorb $5M they used to buy PPE in pandemic’s early days. Public schools will have to absorb the nearly $5 million they used to purchase personal protective equipment at the beginning of the pandemic. It’s money they thought they’d get back in federal emergency funds. Hawaii News Now.

Teacher Training Initiative Takes Shape Under COVID-19 Federal Grant. Hawaii community groups plan to convene dozens of local educators this summer to help build an open-source digital collection of lesson plans and teaching materials that will be free and accessible to students, teachers and parents by 2022. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 13: 106 New COVID-19 Cases And Three Deaths. Hawaii health officials reported 106 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday, including 73 on Oahu, 11 on Maui, seven on the Big Island, two on Kauai and 13 state residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

First mass vaccination to kick off on Monday. About 1,000 people are scheduled to be the first in line when Hawaii’s first mass COVID-19 vaccination site opens at Honolulu’s Pier 2 cruise ship terminal on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

2 mass vaccination sites to launch on Oahu in a bid to ramp up distribution. The first of two mass vaccination sites on Oahu will launch Monday at Pier 2 amid a push to rapidly increase the number of people getting shots each day. Hawaii News Now.

Seniors first in line for Oahu mass COVID 19 vaccinations. Oahu's first mass vaccination site opens Monday, and another will begin the following week. Finally giving seniors, who have been eagerly awaiting vaccinations, a chance to get the shot. KITV4.

Tentative deal reached between Kapiolani Medical Center, nurses’ union. The nurses’ union and Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children have reportedly struck a deal in their ongoing contract negotiations. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s Medical Center changing policies after second COVID cluster. A COVID-19 outbreak occurred in two clusters at The Queen’s Medical Center, where the family of a 75-year-old patient who tested positive after discharge said they were never told she was on one of the affected floors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island's Doctor Shortage Could Grow to 72 Percent by 2030. Hawaiʻi County has the largest doctor shortage in the state with fewer than half of the physicians needed to properly serve the island’s population. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ethics Board seeks Kern’s client list. The county Board of Ethics, deluged with written testimony about Planning Director Zendo Kern’s fitness for the job, on Wednesday asked Kern for an “exhaustive list” of projects he’s worked on, then delayed a decision until next month. West Hawaii Today.

Kupuna vaccinations to begin. Hilo Medical Center’s “kupuna clinic” is set to offer vaccines to individuals 75 and older beginning Jan. 20. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

UHMC Vaccination Site Closes Early to “Maintain Safety and Order”. The University of Hawaiʻi Point of Distribution clinic for  COVID-19 vaccines closed early today “in an effort to maintain safety and order,” according to planners with the Maui District Health Office, which is running the site. Maui Now.

Maui residents question why mainland visitors are getting vaccinated in the islands. Some Hawaii residents are outraged after it was revealed that some vaccines are going to mainland visitors. Hawaii News Now.

Panel debates tourism’s role in COVID-19 surge at town hall. Officials, residents agree that second post-travel test should be required. Maui News.

Public Meetings Scheduled for Maui Housing Plan To Build 5,000 Affordable Family Homes. In November, HCA was awarded a contract from the Office of Council Services to engage the community in the creation of a comprehensive affordable housing plan that will improve the County’s workforce housing ordinance and identify opportunities to build 5,000 affordable homes for local families. Maui Now.

Contractor and condo appeal $75K fine over shoreline work. Hololani Resort Condominiums and Goodfellow Bros. are appealing a $75,000 county violation alleging their shoreline restoration work temporarily put the environment at risk. Maui News.

Maui Ocean Center to reopen after 10 months. Members, Maui County residents can visit for free during phased reopening. Maui News.

Kauai

Council authorizes DPW to secure $6.5 million loan. The county is moving forward with $6.5 million in upgrades to the Waimea Wastewater System. Garden Island.

Hundreds of essential workers on Kauai begin receiving COVID-19 vaccine doses. Kauai is well into its 1B phase of vaccinations, according to the Department of Health. Hawaii News Now.

‘Ele‘ele School receives cardboard desk donations. ‘Ele‘ele School received a donation of KeikiDesk cardboard desks from sponsors Hawai‘i Children’s Action Network and INNOVATE Hawai‘i last week. Garden Island.

Monday, January 13, 2020

Hawaii Legislature gears up for opening day, secret cameras irk Maui council, Princeville Resort closing for renovations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii New all rights reserved
Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News
‘Big ideas’ finished at Legislature, critics say. While previous generations of Democrats were determined to pursue dramatic goals such as employer- funded health care or a temporary disability insurance system, a more cautious cadre of lawmakers seems to be aiming lower today, according to the critics. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature 2020: Making Hawaii Livable Again. State lawmakers will consider raising the minimum wage, paid leave programs and ways to keep residents from leaving the islands while grappling with climate change. Civil Beat.

Hawaii looks to boost construction to offset industry slowdown. Construction work in Hawaii is likely to slow next year, but state lawmakers seem inclined to go along with Gov. David Ige’s plan to budget extra money to boost state construction spending and give a lift to the industry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s Future Liabilities are Expected to Cost $88 Billion. Hawai‘i is in a deep financial pit. Projects to mitigate climate change, improve infrastructure and meet public employee pension and retiree health care obligations are expected to cost the state and four county governments over $88 billion over the next 30 years, according to a report called “Troubled Waters: Charting a New Fiscal Course for Hawaii,” produced for the Hawai‘i Executive Conference. Hawaii Business Magazine.

30 years later, it’s the last session for Rep. Cynthia Thielen. At the age of 86, state Rep. Cynthia Thielen has just begun her 30th — and final — consecutive year representing Kailua and Kaneohe as one of the few Republicans in the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Mandatory Report On Hawaii Trash Disposal Hasn’t Been Filed In 4 Years. The state health department hasn’t been updating the Legislature on recycling programs, landfill diversion efforts or imported fuel reliance as required. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Foodbank says hunger is a chronic problem in Hawaii. One in eight people in the islands regularly do not have enough food. KITV4.

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Space Force unit coming to Hawaii Air National Guard. The Hawaii Air National Guard, picked to have one of four offensive space control squadrons nationally in the Air Guard, expects to start selecting candidates in April. Star-Advertiser.

The flash flood watch issued for the state ahead of a stormy weekend has been extended through to the early start of the work week. The National Weather service extended the watch until Monday evening at 6 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

One lettuce head at a time, farming program rooted at women’s prison changes lives. The farm program is called Learning to Grow. It’s run in partnership with the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle. The relationship started in 1999. Hawaii News Now.

Restriction on aquarium fishing being sidestepped, conservation group says. A coalition of conservation groups led by Earthjustice said the state has been shirking its duties in cracking down on the illegal collection of aquarium fish from Hawaii ocean waters. Star-Advertiser.

UH researcher documents impact of stainless-steel hooks on sharks. A newly published eight-year tiger shark study has found a significant number of sharks with stainless-steel fishing hooks lodged in their jaws. Star-Advertiser.

UH professor’s research shows marine life impacted long after being cut from fishing lines. A study shows how marine life is impacted after being cut from fishing lines. KHON2.

Oahu

Oahu Is Overhauling How It Counts The Homeless. Administrators of Oahu’s annual homeless count have struggled with inaccuracy and undercounting. Civil Beat.

Facing backlash, Land Board scuttles parking plan for Ala Wai Boat Harbor. The state Land Board on Friday shot down a controversial plan to eliminate 125 free parking stalls at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Kakaako Waterfront Park upgrades set to begin at a cost of $450K. The parking lot at the Kakaako Waterfront Park will soon be temporarily closing for upgrades. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu office vacancy rate down to 9.9% in 2019. Renters of office space on Oahu no longer have the upper hand against landlords after a decade of having the dominant position. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

‘Health-care collapse’ Kim’s top legislative priority. Legislation tackling health-care costs, homelessness and cesspools are among six priorities identified by Mayor Harry Kim as the four county mayors head to Honolulu Wednesday to address legislative money committees. West Hawaii Today.

Removal of observatory on schedule. The decommissioning process for one of five Maunakea telescopes to be removed in the coming decade remains on schedule after the approval last month of several environmental assessments. Tribune-Herald.

Community speaks out against jail expansion. Officials from the state Departments of Public Safety and Accounting and General Services came to Hilo Thursday night to brief the public about the planned new housing module at Hawaii Community Correctional Center’s Punahele Street site. Tribune-Herald.

New multi-hazard mitigation plan to help lower risks on Big Island. Multiple public meetings planned around the Big Island this month will introduce the results of a risk assessment conducted for a required update of the county’s multi-hazard mitigation plan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Covert cameras secretly installed, briefly active inside Council Chambers. An $8,000 project to install covert security cameras in the Council Chambers of the county building in order to monitor an active shooter or hostage situation was kept secret from most council members and the public, county officials said. Maui News.

Report: Health center failed requirements, denied access to DOH. Molokai Health Center not under direction of full-time physician. Maui News.

Maili residents sue to block affordable housing project. Some neighbors of the largely state-financed project called Hale Makana O Maili have sued the developer in hopes of stopping construction on the two-story apartment complex they consider out of place and not rightly permitted. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Program aims to spark EV charging stations. The Electric Vehicle Charging Station incentives program will supply rebates for the installation of shared-use EV charging stations, and is available to businesses, residences and institutions. Garden Island.

Closing for renovations. The Princeville Resort will shut down completely on May 1 “for many months” as it undergoes a major renovation, according to reservations staff members who were asked Sunday to explain why the hotel’s website was no longer accepting bookings for July. Garden Island.

Monday, September 16, 2019

FBI investigating mass shooting threat at state Capitol as TMT battle intensifies, 6-year property record backlog, Kauai company to increase beef production, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii state Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News
FBI investigating online threat of a mass shooting at State Capitol. The FBI is investigating a threat that was made in a Facebook comment which appears to be a threat for a mass shooting at the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

FBI responds to shooting threat at Capitol. Facebook comment threatening a shooting at the Capitol sends FBI and HPD on alert. KITV.

Hawaii Resident Threatens ‘Mass Shooting’. The rhetoric surrounding the Thirty Meter Telescope dispute atop Mauna Kea continues to ratchet up, as one Hawaii resident took the conversation to the topic of mass shootings. Big Island Now.

Some experts believe online death threats on the rise due to increased social media usage. Some tech experts aren't shocked at Saturday's FBI alert on the online threat of a possible shooting.  KITV.

State Puts Pressure On TMT Protesters Over Environment, Threats To Officials. The protesters say they are being vilified in an attempt to discredit the Mauna Kea movement. Civil Beat.

State, Anti-TMT Leaders Condemn Social Media Threats. Top state leaders are denouncing threatening social media posts directed at Hawaii law enforcement officers involved in the standoff over the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Homes Chair Seeks Private Counsel Amid Mauna Kea Access Road Dispute. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is requesting to "hire private counsel to advise the Commission on the valuation of compensation through funds and land owed to DHHL, pursuant to Act 14." Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian Homes Commission Seeks Thousand Acre Transfer. Maui Now.

Twitter Troll Impersonates TMT Account. An unverified Twitter account has closely copied the appearance of the official Thirty Meter Telescope account and is sending out derogatory and culturally insensitive posts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor Served “Judicial Summons” By Group, “Arrest Warrants” Threatened. A group claiming to represent the Hawaiian Kingdom went to the County building on Tuesday, some wearing tactical vests, to serve the mayor their written demand. Big Island Video News.

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Scientists hope to see trend of increased sightings of humpback whales. The Central North Pacific stock of humpback whales that migrates from Alaska to Hawaii’s warmer waters to mate, calve and nurse their young has been estimated at roughly 10,000 individuals. Star-Advertiser.

How Climate Change Will Affect Hawaii’s Favorite Fish. Hawaii’s beloved bigeye tuna will be smaller, less abundant and farther away for local fishermen to catch as the Pacific heats up with global warming, scientists project. Civil Beat.

Backlog for Hawaii property title certificates now 6 years. Somewhere in the bowels of the Kalanimoku Building behind Hono­lulu Hale is a massive state government paperwork jam for certifying ownership of real estate in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Charter schools show growth in number of students. The number of students in Hawaii’s charter schools rose again this year while overall public school enrollment dipped slightly. Star-Advertiser.

Vanilla, Chocolate Sweeten Hawaii Agritourism. Farmers’ focus on new crops helps mesh two distinct industries in the Aloha State: tourism and agriculture. U.S. News & World Report.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha led criminal case into Board of Water Supply’s billing practices, but was it real? Like so many Hawaii residents, Katherine Kealoha was fed up with her utility bills, especially her bills from the Board of Water Supply. Hawaii News Now.

New Trial For Grandma Who Sued Katherine Kealoha And Lost. A 100-year-old woman who sued her prosecutor granddaughter in a financial dispute and lost is getting a new trial. Associated Press.

Honolulu ranked ninth in a recent ranking of 20 cities with the worst traffic by Insurify, a website that compares auto insurance rates. With a congestion level of 28% and average commute time of 29.1 minutes, Honolulu was not as bad as San Francisco (No. 3), but worse than other cities, including Boston (No. 13) and Portland, Ore. (No. 15). Star-Advertiser.

City tells DOT it has no plans for Laniakea park, urges barriers be put back. Traffic and safety at Laniakea on Oahu’s North Shore is being revisited yet again. KHON2.

UH Receives $5.3M for ‘World-Famous’ Reproductive Lab. The Institute of Biogenesis Research gained its popularity after producing mice that glow a greenish color when placed under ultraviolet light. Maui Now.

Abandoned vessel sinks off Ala Wai Harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard said an abandoned vessel that was being towed by the state sank off Ala Wai Harbor Saturday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Bird invasion threatens Waikele community. The community has spent over $140,000 fixing damage caused by these birds. KITV.

Civil Beat Wins National Award For General Excellence. The Online News Association is the world’s largest organization for digital journalism. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island


Council asking county leaders to brainstorm new waste, energy ideas. With Hawaii Island’s zero waste and renewable energy programs only trudging along, it’s time for a major paradigm shift, county officials say. West Hawaii Today.

Funding recovery: County has so far spent nearly $10M in response to 2018 Kilauea eruption. Hawaii County could receive more than $300 million in state and federal funding to support recovery and response efforts stemming from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano, but only a portion of funding has so far been obtained and even less has been spent as the county works to cement long-term recovery plans. Tribune-Herald.

Disaster losses - including those from lava and VOG from the the Kīlauea eruption, as well as Hurricane Lane - will be eligible for assistance. USDA Offers Disaster Assistance For Hawaii Farmers, Meetings Set. Big Island Video News.

County asks court to order property owners to clear homeless camp. After the owners of a property that has become a homeless encampment in downtown Hilo failed to appear at a court hearing Friday, a judge granted a motion to compel them to clear the property. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Brewing chugs along on construction of new facility. Construction is moving along at Kona Brewing Co.’s new brewery, with the first kegs and cans of beer targeted to roll off the line next spring. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


More testimony expected on Maui appeal to Supreme Court. The Maui County Council is set to receive public testimony Friday about a resolution to drop the county’s appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding its discharge of treated wastewater from its Lahaina plant. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai rancher hopes to expand local beef production through his new company. A major Kauai rancher has new plans to expand the statewide supply of locally raised beef after taking control of Oahu’s only slaughterhouse as part of a business separation. Star-Advertiser.

A farm for everyone. The 11-acre farm at Timbers Kauai at Hokuala isn’t just for luxury owners and vacationers. It’s an amenity for island residents, too. Garden Island.

Island’s hemp industry focus of business group’s meeting. The Lihue Business Association will be focusing on industrial hemp farming and the progress of the pilot programs on Kauai, during its monthly meeting at Duke’s Canoe Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. Garden Island.

Molokai

$8.5 million bridge in works for Molokai’s south side. Replacement proposed for Makakupaia Bridge built in 1940. Maui News.